Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): An Introduction to Evidence-Based Treatment

Discover Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a powerful and effective type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), designed to help individuals manage intense emotions. This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of DBT, exploring its core concepts, theories, and practical skills.

What is DBT?

Originally developed for borderline personality disorder, DBT has expanded to address a wide range of challenges, including:

• Suicidal behaviour
• Self-harm
• Eating disorders
• Substance use
• Depression

How Does DBT Work?

DBT equips individuals with essential skills in:

• Emotion regulation: Learning to understand and manage emotional intensity.
• Interpersonal effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills.
• Distress tolerance: Developing coping mechanisms for difficult situations.

By mastering these skills, individuals can replace unhelpful behaviours with healthier, more adaptive responses.

The Four Core Components of DBT:

DBT operates on a robust model comprised of four interconnected components:

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions focused on reducing problematic behaviours and building life skills with a therapist.
• Group Skills Training: Skill-building workshops covering crucial areas like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Telephone Coaching: Real-time support between sessions to manage crises and apply learned skills.
• Consultation Team: A team-based approach where therapists consult with colleagues to ensure effective treatment and manage their own reactions to challenging cases.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

• Psychotherapists and mental health professionals seeking to learn about DBT.
• Anyone interested in understanding this evidence-based therapeutic approach.

What You Will Learn:

Upon completion of this course, you will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
• Explore the history and development of DBT, with a focus on Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Understand the theoretical foundations of DBT, including dialectics and the cognitive model.
• Discover the core components of DBT, including individual therapy, problem-solving techniques, validation, and skills training.
• Master essential skills used in individual therapy, such as diary cards and behaviour chain analysis.
• Understand the problem-solving approach in DBT, incorporating cognitive restructuring and behavioural techniques.
• Learn the importance of validation in the therapeutic process.
• Understand the role and significance of consultation teams in DBT practice.

Course Features:

This engaging course includes:

• Video lectures
• Downloadable resources
• Quizzes
• Practical exercises
• A comprehensive course handbook

Certification:

Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate accredited by the International Association of Therapists. Note: Further training is required for registered membership with the BABCP.

Important Considerations:

• Prior experience in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and counselling is helpful but not required.
• DBT is typically delivered within a team environment.
• The course will briefly address sensitive topics such as suicide, self-harm, and abuse.